US services in and out of the borough have been seriously affected today (Friday) after the proposed bus strike went ahead.

Protesting bus drivers can be seen picketing outside the bus depot in Bakers Road, Uxbridge after final talks to resolve the pay dispute broke down on Wednesday.

The strike started at 3am and will continue for 24 hours with several routes affected.

One driver on strike who did not want to be named, said: "We'll be here for the duration.

"The message has got across to the public through the articles in the Gazette and the Leader, and by and large they haven't shown up, so that makes it easier for us, without dealing with that added pressure.

"This time of morning (8am) it is normally crawling with people round here, but not today, everybody seems to have stayed away."

Another driver who asked not to be named said: "I'm not impressed with the company."

Bruce Swann, convenor and senior trade union officer, said: "I can confirm that the strike has gone ahead as planned with less than 10 routes being used across London.

"The only First bus operating around Uxbridge is the A10 to Heathrow which is against our advice because it could be hit with overcrowding which would be dangerous for the driver, but they are being driven by people in senior management from the company, not the usual drivers."

The routes affected include the U1,U2,U3,U4,U5 and U10, the 207 from Hayes to Shepherds Bush, the 607 from Uxbridge to Acton, the 282 from Mount Vernon Hospital to Eastcote and the night buses including the N207.

Around 2,500 First bus drivers are on strike across London, they are calling for equal pay with drivers from other companies.

A further 48 strike is expected on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13 if the matter is not resolved.